aio fan droplets

[iameatingjam]

TLDR down below

So, around christmas was the first time I saw a drop of liquid fall from my aio fan onto my gpu backplate. As soon as I turned my computer on, the fan spinning up displaced the tiny bit of liquid. At first I freaked out because I thought oh no my aio is leaking. But then I thought no that doesn't make any sense, the liquid would come from the tube, or where the tube connects to the radiator or the pump, right? Thats how I understand it anyway. Above the fan is just the just the rad... right? I checked the tube and connection points they look fine.

There's no shortage of gasses in this house that could liquefy. My computer is in the same room as the kitchen (its a big room and they are on opposite sides, but still) and both me and my room mate vape. I try to blow away from the computer but... I realize that does precious little as its definitely in the air. And its pretty cold this time of year. So I was thinking its some kind of gas that turned to liquid. Anyway I cleaned off both fans and the rad and nothing happened for a couple months ( the rad was bone dry btw). But recently I've had an additional droplet appear. I was able to wipe this one down before it fell. I should have thought to take a picture.... Too bad.

Does the steam from cooking or the vapour/aerosol from the vaping turning to liquid make sense? The only thing that bothers me about that is the drops have come from the same fan, and its the fan thats right next to where the tube connects. (Still don't really understand how liquid from the loop could get into the fan, especially that location of the fan, but that fact still makes me a little nervous.) Could just be that that fan sucks in more air since its also closer to the intake fans and thats the reason.

But then I ask myself why does it happen this winter and not last winter... perhaps its just due to differences in temperature?

I did clean the other fans and while the dust was not completely dry, they were far from developing a liquid like this. But they are also oriented differently, not blowing into a rad and different model fans.

Or.... could it maybe be like some machine oil used in the fan itself? I mean they do go up to 3300rpm and the second drop did seem to accumulate around the edge, near the whatchamacall it ring that connects to the blades. Perhaps between that thing (sorry can't think of the name) and the housing of the fan there is some type of lube to make things quiet in an event of some friction happening...? But then you'd think that would happen in the summer, not the winter. Or maybe its just a time thing. Fans have been running long enough that the lube is starting to succumb to gravity? Idk. I just hope its not some sort of leak. Don't know how it would be possible but still...

Oh and the color of the liquid is light brown, idk if any info can be gleaned from that. So... what do you guys think could be the cause?

Even now you should be able to see some moisture, this is where the last droplet appeared too. Its just a tiny bit now but it will become more in time, at least, thats what I believe will happen if the pattern continues.

TLDR: AIO fan is slowly accumulating droplets and I want to know why. I'm wondering if vapour in the air such as steam/oil from the kitchen or PG/VG from me and my room mate's vapes are possibly liquefying in the cold temperatures. Or if possibly some machine oil is to blame? Or could this somehow be the cooling solution meaning there's a leak? There's reasons I have to doubt all 3 of these... yet they are there so something is happening. I suppose the liquefaction would be the most likely in my estimation. But idk, I'm just some idiot

If it is machine oil, the p12 max is in stock ( not common on canadian amazon) and slightly below normal price. Now would be a good time to buy a replacement.

 

[Solaris17]

I'm wondering if vapour in the air such as steam/oil from the kitchen or PG/VG from me and my room mate's vapes are possibly liquefying in the cold temperatures

100% possible, but I am willing to bet that the actual issue is the RAD itself leaking because a screw punctured it and the threads are the only thing sealing it. Or there is a leak elsewhere and it is dispersing through the system via the cables/hoses. (This is another reason why electrical/data lines have service loops)

I would totally disassemble the system, from what you said it seems you only "looked" at hose junctions and the hoses themselves.

 

[iameatingjam]

The rad itself as seen from the top and bottom look completely bone dry, and I did state that. Do you still think this could be the case? Or did you miss that part?

EDIT: But I will for good measure double check where the screws go in, because I didn't know that part.

100% possible, but I am willing to bet that the actual issue is the RAD itself leaking because a screw punctured it and the threads are the only thing sealing it. Or there is a leak elsewhere and it is dispersing through the system via the cables/hoses. (This is another reason why electrical/data lines have service loops)

I would totally disassemble the system, from what you said it seems you only "looked" at hose junctions and the hoses themselves.

Okay I double checked, paying special attention to the screw holes, COMPLETELY DRY. I kept it mounted this time, but last time I did disconnect the entire system and cleaned everything out. Looking down on the fan I could see more moisture between the fan wheel and the housing. But above it, and elsewhere on the top of the fan, also completely dry. Now I'm thinking perhaps it is the lube.... thoughts?

 

[Solaris17]

Do you still think this could be the case?

yes

Or did you miss that part?

No I can read

 

[AsRock]

Take it out and remove the fans and see ?, oil can come from fans too but you normally see it on the blades if any were.

 

[phanbuey]

That stuff is likely the cooler antifreeze so it can even a feel a bit like oil, doesn't evaporate very quickly and has a silky feel to it.

I've never seen a fan form droplets like that from bearing lube - I don't think it's even viscous enough to do that. +1 to the leaking rad fin theory.

Put it on paper or tissue - if it evaporates after a while then its fluid. If it stays stained then it's bearing oil.

 

[iameatingjam]

Take it out and remove the fans and see ?, oil can come from fans too but you normally see it on the blades if any were.

Yeah I have the only place I see any moisture is between the fanwheel and the housing. Actually I spotted a little bit on the other fan too, but that one has never leaked. And yeah you would think it would be in the blades if it were some liquefied gas. But also these p12 max fans are made a bit differently than other fans with that stabilization ring or w/e they call it ( its basically a way to make fast but cheap fans). So that would indicate machine oil then? And replacement of the fan/s?

 

[ShrimpBrime]

Would like to see the entire picture of the rig from different angles.

I see a fan with a small drop of something. Drips travel down, what's above it? The tubes? Inlet barb? That's where I'd look.

 

[iameatingjam]

That stuff is likely the cooler antifreeze so it can even a feel a bit like oil, doesn't evaporate very quickly and has a silky feel to it.

View attachment 389374

I've never seen a fan form droplets like that from bearing lube - I don't think it's even viscous enough to do that. +1 to the leaking rad fin theory.

Put it on paper or tissue - if it evaporates after a while then its fluid. If it stays stained then it's bearing oil.

I don't understand then. But I may just be ignorant. I looked and felt the metal twice over and the screwholes just now and never felt even the slightest bit of moisture, yet there is quite a fair bit in the fan upon a close look. Is there any other way it could get in?

Sigh, I did completely clean this all up just 2 and a half months ago.... but yeah... there's just no moisture here that I can detect. And from the fans the moisture seems to be only inbetween the stabilization ring and the housing. But yeah still feels like something else is missing. How could there have been so much lube before and only now its becoming visible? So maybe you are right, but how?

Would like to see the entire picture of the rig from different angles.

I see a fan with a small drop of something. Drips travel down, what's above it? The tubes? Inlet barb? That's where I'd look.

just posted pic of the rad right above. I'm not really in the mood for taking everything apart right now, had a hard day. But sure if you want to see something I can take things apart more thoroughly tomorrow perhaps.

 

[freeagent]

It is quite obvious to be coolant my man, it is everywhere. You cant see it?

 

[phanbuey]

I don't understand then. But I may just be ignorant. I looked and felt the metal twice over and the screwholes just now and never felt even the slightest bit of moisture, yet there is quite a fair bit in the fan upon a close look. Is there any other way it could get in?

View attachment 389375

Sigh, I did completely clean this all up just 2 and a half months ago.... but yeah... there's just no moisture here that I can detect. And from the fans the moisture seems to be only inbetween the stabilization ring and the housing. But yeah still feels like something else is missing. How could there have been so much lube before and only now its becoming visible? So maybe you are right, but how?

Try the paper... or take the fans off and then do a duster on the rad with a paper underneath to see if droplets come out?

Oil will stain a tissue / paper towel, coolant will evaporate.

Evaporated coolant usually leaves a white residue behind.

 

[damric]

For me, when an AIO gets a bad case of the drip, it's time to dissect it. Sometimes most or at least parts of them can be salvaged and put back into usage. Usually they have flimsy nylon barbs, so be careful when cutting the hose away. If it is truly the radiator itself leaking, there are replacements from ebay, ali express, ect. If repairing it seems like a headache, then shit can the thing and get a new one. If you do decide to repair it and find it incredibly easy, then you are ready to build your own loop. Custom loop can be done very cheap. I do them all the time now.

 

[ShrimpBrime]

I don't understand then. But I may just be ignorant. I looked and felt the metal twice over and the screwholes just now and never felt even the slightest bit of moisture, yet there is quite a fair bit in the fan upon a close look. Is there any other way it could get in?

View attachment 389375

Sigh, I did completely clean this all up just 2 and a half months ago.... but yeah... there's just no moisture here that I can detect. And from the fans the moisture seems to be only inbetween the stabilization ring and the housing. But yeah still feels like something else is missing. How could there have been so much lube before and only now its becoming visible? So maybe you are right, but how?


just posted pic of the rad right above. I'm not really in the mood for taking everything apart right now, had a hard day. But sure if you want to see something I can take things apart more thoroughly tomorrow perhaps.

The dust collects the most where the leak is.

In the orientation of the pic, bottom right corner.

Time for a new cooler

 

[iameatingjam]

Try the paper... or take the fans off and then do a duster on the rad with a paper underneath to see if anything catches?

Okay I'll try. I am kind of doubtful based on there being no moisture on the top of the fan, only between the rings. But I realize I'm not really knowledgeable here as this is only my second aio and my first one I only had briefly then sold along. I don't have duster but I have a compressor. That should work, right? I'll try it tomorrow and report back. I need some unwinding atm.

Suppose I could also put some other fans on there and see if the same thing happens. I have a few other pairs of fans actually. Not super fast ones, but enough to keep things cool enough while I try and diagnose the problem.

EDIT:

if it evaporates after a while then its fluid.

How fast does coolant evaporate? I put some on a qtip and its been 5 minutes its still extremely greasy. I'll again... check it tomorrow and see if that remains the case.

The dust collects the most where the leak is.

In the orientation of the pic, bottom right corner.

Time for a new cooler

I'll look into it but I don't want to jump to conclusions. Especially since this cooler for I don't know why reason has been very well performing.... better than it has any right being. Also can't afford to be spending money unless I am certain it needs to be replaced. I'll do what phanbuey suggests. If I get nothing, I'll try putting on some different fans and see what happens.

@ShrimpBrime When everything is apart tomorrow is there anything else you want to see, from a different angle and better light or something?

EDIT: Hmmm artic III 280 is only $140 cad at a local shop with only one in stock. Prices even on aios seems to be out of whack here on amazon and newegg right now. Maybe I should just buy it... If problem turns out to be a leak, then gravy. If not, then I have a spare I can use for a backup or a different build ( no idea what I'd do with it or where I'd put it, would be fun though) or just return it. Same thing is $180 on amazon and $170 on newegg. Like tf.

I mean if I could get an answer right away that would be great but the rate of leakage is so slow I feel like this may be a long process to know for sure.

No I can read

Sorry didn't mean it in a rude way. I know the post was long and lots of people tend to skim in those cases. Just wanted to make sure that was taken into considering in your deduction.

It is quite obvious to be coolant my man, it is everywhere. You cant see it?

..... I can see moisture where the previous drop developed and I cleaned it off. I can see moisture between the stabilization ring and the fan housing but nowhere else. Where else do you see coolant?

 

[ShrimpBrime]

Nah, don't need to see much more. But I wouldn't chance to keep using it like it is.

 

[iameatingjam]

Nah, don't need to see much more. But I wouldn't chance to keep using it like it is.

What do you think about the top of the fans being completely dry? I don't get how coolant would drip into the rings but leave no trace anywhere else. It doesn't make sense to me.

Could buy the III 280, that one is a good price. But I had to have a talk with myself recently about buying things I don't need. I'll try that paper method and see what happens. but a new p12 max is only $15.

 

[Dr. Dro]

I don't understand then. But I may just be ignorant. I looked and felt the metal twice over and the screwholes just now and never felt even the slightest bit of moisture, yet there is quite a fair bit in the fan upon a close look. Is there any other way it could get in?

View attachment 389375

Sigh, I did completely clean this all up just 2 and a half months ago.... but yeah... there's just no moisture here that I can detect. And from the fans the moisture seems to be only inbetween the stabilization ring and the housing. But yeah still feels like something else is missing. How could there have been so much lube before and only now its becoming visible? So maybe you are right, but how?


just posted pic of the rad right above. I'm not really in the mood for taking everything apart right now, had a hard day. But sure if you want to see something I can take things apart more thoroughly tomorrow perhaps.

Hi Jam, that green stuff is 100% the propylene glycol coolant mixture from inside the loop. It's probably leaking out from the seam there where the hose connects, or maybe some part of the rad was punctured.

This stuff is running on dreams, now that there is air inside I would keep the computer off until you can replace it.

 

[ShrimpBrime]

What do you think about the top of the fans being completely dry? I don't get how coolant would drip into the rings but leave no trace anywhere else. It doesn't make sense to me.

The liquid takes flight from fan turbulence. Just happens to land there I'd have to guess.

Funny thing about metal, it probably leaks when its cool and seals up when the rad warms up.

 

[maxfly]

Swap fans for the night and get some sleep. Process of elimination, if the original fan is leaking lube that's going to tell you. Revisit in the afternoon with fresh perspective.

 

[iameatingjam]

Hi Jam, that green stuff is 100% the propylene glycol coolant mixture from inside the loop. It's probably leaking out from the seam there where the hose connects, or maybe some part of the rad was punctured.

This stuff is running on dreams, now that there is air inside I would keep the computer off until you can replace it.

Green? Nothing is green except all my rgb. Probably a reflection. Must have left the machine plugged in while I took the fan out (oops) in which case the back fan and the rgb strip remain lit. The liquid is brown.

BUT, I do not take your word lightly....

Swap fans for the night and get some sleep. Process of elimination, if the original fan is leaking lube that's going to tell you. Revisit in the afternoon with fresh perspective.

Good idea. I'm all wound up today for non- computer reasons.

 

[Dr. Dro]

Green? Nothing is green except all my rgb. Probably a reflection. Must have left the machine plugged in while I took the fan out (oops) in which case the back fan and the rgb strip remain lit. The liquid is brown.

BUT, I do not take your word lightly....

Oh I meant these, could be the reflection. But since there are signs of a leak, it's a matter of time until it starts gurgling as enough air makes its way to the loop, and by that point temps will suffer a lot. The thing that @ShrimpBrime mentioned of it "sealing" when it gets hot is true too, it's thermal dilation, when metal gets hot it will expand a little and when it gets cold it will contract, at this scale it's something millimetric but it's enough for air to seep in and liquid to very slowly leak out when it's cold. If there are no signs of physical damage and the AIO is still under warranty, I'd try a RMA

 

[iameatingjam]

Oh I meant these, could be the reflection. But since there are signs of a leak, it's a matter of time until it starts gurgling as enough air makes its way to the loop, and by that point temps will suffer a lot. The thing that @ShrimpBrime mentioned of it "sealing" when it gets hot is true too, it's thermal dilation, when metal gets hot it will expand a little and when it gets cold it will contract, at this scale it's something millimetric but it's enough for air to seep in and liquid to very slowly leak out when it's cold. If there are no signs of physical damage and the AIO is still under warranty, I'd try a RMA

View attachment 389388

Yeah those are all reflections. I'll show you some pictures with the psu turned off tomorrow. That was my bad.

But how could I rma it if there's yet no evidence of a leak? These are the non-original fans. and the actual aio has no liquid anywhere. Nowhere along the tubes. Nowhere on the top or bottom the radiator, along the sides or in the screw holes. And temp remains good at low and high load. I would have to put the original fans back on and see something happen at least I figure, but that would take like two months assuming the same behaviour happens which isn't a certainty. But anyway for now I just need to get off the forums for a while and rest my brain, okay I'm actually doing it now.

Have a good one.

 

[nomdeplume]

I'm wondering if vapour in the air such as steam/oil from the kitchen or PG/VG from me and my room mate's vapes are possibly liquefying in the cold temperatures.

As fun as this has been for those responding sending you into panic mode. Pet hair gets into everything to the same amount as smoking/vaping/cooking with lots of oil nearby will. Use four of your senses; sight, smell, touch, and as a last resort taste.

It is hard to remove this being the rad leaking as the most likely cause. 10 vape cartridges in a short period at a close distance might bear a similar resemblance though. Personally I'd clean thoroughly with loop in place and push the computer hard in as clean of air as possible. Prove or disprove common sense here.

 

[Carillon]

I see circles on the rad with less dust (if you zoom out it becomes more evident), like there is something cylindrical blocking the airflow in those spot, could it be your roommate using the PC as a cup holder?

 

[Dr. Dro]

As fun as this has been for those responding sending you into panic mode. Pet hair gets into everything to the same amount as smoking/vaping/cooking with lots of oil nearby will. Use four of your senses; sight, smell, touch, and as a last resort taste.

It is hard to remove this being the rad leaking as the most likely cause. 10 vape cartridges in a short period at a close distance might bear a similar resemblance though. Personally I'd clean thoroughly with loop in place and push the computer hard in as clean of air as possible. Prove or disprove common sense here.

Mmm, well, I'm not trying to send anyone into panic mode, it does look like a leak to me. I don't vape or smoke, so the thought hadn't crossed my head.